Current status
This butterfly is widespread and often abundant in continental Europe, but has declined in many countries. In the UK, it is confined to southern England, where it was formerly locally abundant in parts of the south west and south east. It has declined severely during this century, with just 43 colonies known in 1989, including 2 sites in Essex where it has been successfully re-introduced since 1984. The butterfly`s main centres of distribution are Exmoor, east Cornwall and the Blean Woods of Kent, where it breeds on heathland, species-rich grassland and coppiced woodland respectively.
The heath fritillary is listed as Vulnerable on the GB Red List, and is protected under Schedule 5 of the WCA 1981.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Reduction of coppice area and increased isolation of new clearings in Kent.
Abandonment or inappropriate management of species-rich grasslands in the south-west.
Current action
A full species action plan is being prepared by Butterfly Conservation.
Conservation management is being undertaken by NE on two nearby sites in Cornwall, and on several nature reserves in Kent.
NE has a management agreement with the private owner of a large block of woodland in Kent containing several colonies.
Trial habitat management is being conducted by the National Trust on heathland habitat on Exmoor.
Butterfly Conservation are attempting to re-introduce the species to a site in Devon.
Action plan objectives and targets
Restore to 1980 status in Kent (i.e. approximately 25 inter-connected colonies of variable sizes) by 2005, carrying out re-introductions if necessary.
Maintain the range in east Cornwall, Devon and Exmoor, carrying out re-introductions as necessary.
Maintain the population sizes in east Cornwall, Devon and Exmoor.
Maintain the re-introduced populations in Essex.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Consider improving financial incentives for coppice management in Blean Woods, Kent. (ACTION: NE)
Promote the uptake of favourable land management agreements on existing and potential sites within Cornwall, Devon and Exmoor, especially through ESAs and Countryside Stewardship Schemes. (ACTION: CC, NE, MAFF)
Site safeguard and management
Promote positive management for the species on all sites within the main centres of distribution to maintain and enhance populations. (ACTION: NE, FA)
Seek to restore favourable management on sites where re-introduction is necessary. (ACTION: NE)
Consider the need to notify sites as SSSI. (ACTION: NE)
Species management and protection
Promote strategic re-introduction into suitably restored habitats, particularly in Kent. (ACTION: NE)
Advisory
Ensure land owners and managers are aware of the presence and legal status of the species, and appropriate methods of habitat management for its conservation. (ACTION: NE)
Future Research and Monitoring
Promote further research into species’ requirements to aid conservation management. (ACTION: NE)
Survey to identify potential re-introduction sites. (ACTION: NE)
Investigate genetic variation and population variability to underpin translocation programmes. (ACTION: NE)
Continue existing monitoring transects in known sites and encourage regular monitoring of all large/medium colonies to identify any threats to the species. (ACTION: NE)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to JNCC or BRC so that it can be incorporated in national databases. (ACTION: NE)
Communications and Publicity
Promote opportunities for the appreciation and conservation of the heath fritillary and its habitat. (ACTION: NE)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report - Volume II: Action Plans (December 1995, Tranche 1, Vol 2, p150)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species